Useful properties of anise lofant, planting and care in open ground

The anise type of lofant was bred by breeders. It cannot be found in the natural environment. All traditional healers know about its beneficial properties. The leaves and shoots of the shrub are widely used for culinary and health purposes. Many gardeners grow it in their own garden. The plant is easy to care for, takes root well and produces lush inflorescences.

General description of the plant

Perennial plant in the form of a shrub. The anise lofant reaches a height of 1-1.5 meters. The stems are tetrahedral, the leaves are elongated, lanceolate, with jagged edges. 4-6 shoots grow on one bush. Flowering begins in June, bud development in May.

The aniseed lofant flowers are dark purple, spike-shaped. One inflorescence is 14-16 cm long. Small flowers are collected in it. After flowering, it produces dark brown fruits with seeds inside. Anise lofant grows in one place for 6 years without loss of flowering quality. The number of escapes doubles every year. The plant has a bright anise smell.

Chemical composition of anise lofant

The composition of anise lofant includes the following microelements and substances:

• calcium;
• iron;
• boron;
• potassium;
• iodine;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• tannins;
• vitamins C and PP;
• essential oils;
• gallic acid;
• caffeic acid;
• chlorogenic acid;
• flavonoids;
• choline;
• alkaloids;
• antibiotics.

Medicinal properties of the plant

Lofanta grass has medicinal properties. It is actively used in folk medicine and industry. Its oils and decoctions are included in cosmetics, medicines and seasonings. Lofant has the following beneficial properties:

• strengthens the body's immune system;
• improves metabolic processes;
• reduces high blood pressure;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• improves skin condition;
• normalizes liver function, stimulates bile flow;
• reduces blood cholesterol levels;
• improves male potency;
• has a regenerating effect, helps heal wounds;
• has decongestant properties, removes excess fluid from the body;
• cleanses the body of waste and toxins;
• prevents the development of malignant and benign tumors;
• promotes the removal of sputum during prolonged dry cough;
• eliminates the development of blackheads and acne;
• helps overcome the symptoms of allergic reactions;
• calms the nervous system, relieves stress and depression;
• helps overcome intoxication.

Methods of using culture

The upper part of the plant is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, spices, baths and face masks. Lofant essential oil is widely used in industry. It is added to cosmetics and sold in its pure form. The shrub is mainly used in folk medicine.

Decoctions

To prepare a decoction of lofant, take 100 grams of dried herb and pour boiling water over it. Cover with a lid for 30 minutes. The resulting liquid is filtered and taken orally, 2-3 glasses per day.

Infusions

An infusion from the plant is prepared according to the following recipe. 300 grams of fresh or dry herbs are placed in a thermos. Pour 1 liter of boiling water. Screw the lid on tightly and leave overnight. The next morning, the resulting liquid is filtered, poured into a container and stored in the refrigerator. Take 3 tbsp infusion. l. 3-4 times a day.

Alcohol tincture

An alcoholic infusion is prepared from a concentrated decoction of lofant. One hundred grams of grass is poured into 200 ml of water. Leave for several hours. The infusion is poured with vodka and left for 30-40 days in a dark place. Take 2 tbsp. l. in a day.

Baths

Before taking a bath, prepare 2-3 liters of decoction from the leaves and flowers of the bush. 300 grams of herb are poured with boiling water, left for 30 minutes and poured into the bath. The procedure lasts 20-30 minutes. Such baths have a calming effect on the nervous system and promote sound sleep.

Important! Lofant baths can be taken by newborns with restless sleep, but strictly according to the pediatrician’s indications.

Face masks

In cosmetics stores you can purchase a ready-made face mask containing lofant essential oils. They can also be prepared at home. Fresh grass is crushed, 1 tsp is added. honey, 3 tbsp. l. fresh milk. The mixture is mixed well and applied to the face. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash off. Such masks strengthen skin tone and prevent aging.

Cooking

In cooking, crushed dried plants are used in combination with other herbs or as an independent component. It is added to meat and fish dishes. Fruit and vegetable salads are seasoned with lofant. Fresh leaves of the plant are used for decoration in confectionery dishes. Jam is made from lofant and used in winemaking.

Contraindications and possible harm

Excessive and frequent use of lofant can cause health problems:

• low pressure;
• leaching of beneficial microelements from the body;
• sleep disturbance;
• problems with metabolism.

Also, taking lofant as a therapeutic agent has its contraindications:

• allergic reaction to the plant;
• intolerance to its components;
• epilepsy;
• thrombophlebitis;
• chronic hypotension;
• oncological diseases;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period;
• newborns;
• constant muscle cramps.

Features of cultivation

To successfully grow anise lofant, it is necessary to observe the timing of planting seeds, choose a suitable place, and plant the seeds correctly.

Landing dates

In March, seedlings begin to be prepared. Seeds are sown in pots. After 2 months, the germinated plants are transferred to open ground. In May, active growth of shoots and the beginning of budding begins. The bush blooms in early June.

Also, seeds are sown immediately in open ground in mid-March, after the snow has melted. After 2-2.5 months, sprouts begin to emerge.

Important! When sowing by seedling method, flowering begins 30-40 days earlier.

Site preparation

Choose a place for the lofant that is well illuminated by sunlight, with dry and fertile soil. The shrub does not tolerate acidic soils well, so you must first add dolomite flour. In clayey and frequently flooded soils, the plant will die.

The site is prepared in the fall, it is dug up, and all stones and weeds are removed. Dolomite flour, humus or mineral fertilizers are added.

Lofant cannot be planted in the ground after growing the following crops:

• cucumber;
• turnip;
• beet;
• turnips

Sowing seeds in the ground

Sowing shrub seeds in the ground is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• In the area prepared in advance, grooves are made with a depth of 0.5-1 cm.
• A distance of 50 cm is maintained between rows.
• Warm water is poured into the recesses.
• Seeds are placed in the grooves.
• Cover the seeds with soil.

After the first shoots appear, they are thinned out, leaving a distance of 25-30 cm between plants. Thinning is carried out after the presence of 2-3 leaves.

Seedling period

To obtain seedlings, choose a plastic pot with a drainage hole and a tray. Landing is carried out according to the algorithm:

• The pot is filled with soil.
• Make a 0.5 cm depression in the soil.
• Pour warm water into it.
• Place the seeds in the hole.
• Bury with soil.
• Cover with transparent film.
• Place in a warm place.

Watering and ventilation are carried out daily. Mineral fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks. After the appearance of 5-6 pairs of leaves, young shrubs are transferred to the ground.They are planted at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, and a gap of 50-60 cm is left between the rows.

Care Tips

In order for the shrub to please with abundant flowering, it is necessary to provide it with proper care. To do this, follow several rules:

• Each bush is watered with warm water once a week. The water must be prepared in advance and warm.
• After pruning the shoots, anise lofant is fed with mullein infusion.
• Carry out regular weeding if there are weeds.
• Dividing the bush for propagation is carried out in spring or autumn.
• The more often flower stalks are cut, the more often new ones are formed.
• The plant is drought-resistant and does not tolerate excess moisture.
• When planting seeds, it is recommended to create drainage.
• For the winter, the lofant is covered, as it does not have winter-hardy properties.
• Treatment against diseases and pests is carried out if necessary.

Protection from diseases and pests

Lofant anise has strong immunity. If all growing conditions are met, it does not get sick. However, when high humidity appears at the roots, the immunity of the shrub decreases and infection with infectious diseases occurs. It is affected by fungal infections:

• powdery mildew;
• fusarium;
• rhizoctoniasis;
• rust.

To combat infections, they are treated with fungicidal preparations and copper sulfate. Harmful insects rarely attack shrubs. It has a specific smell that attracts bees and repels pests. In rare cases, black aphids and thrips attack. To combat them, they are treated with insecticides.

Preparing for winter

Lofant does not tolerate frost well. In warm regions, the shoots of the bush are cut off, leaving 10-12 cm above the soil. Cover the root area with dry leaves, moss or a special cloth.In the northern regions, it is recommended to transfer the shrub to a greenhouse or replant it in a pot for wintering.

You can also grow lofant as an annual plant. At the end of the season, the bushes are uprooted and then destroyed. And for the next season they prepare new seedlings.

Harvest and storage

To use the leaves in cooking, they are cut from the bush at any time. When grown to obtain medicinal raw materials, shoots are cut off before flowering begins. Cut no longer than half so that the bush can quickly recover. During this period, the leaves and shoots of the plant contain the greatest amount of useful substances.

Cut leaves and shoots are transferred to a cool room with good ventilation. Spread the material in a thin layer and wait to dry. Every day the condition of the raw materials is checked and spoiled or rotten leaves are removed. After drying, the grass is collected in glass or ceramic containers. Lofant can be stored for 1.5 years, after which the herb loses its beneficial properties.

The best varieties

Lofant anise has many varieties. Many of them are very popular among gardeners. The most popular varieties are:

• Summer resident;
• Honey Bee Blue;
• Blue Spike;
• Dandy;
• Premier;
• Snowball;
• Witch Doctor.

Each variety has its own characteristic smell and flower color. Lofant is planted next to linden and acacia, as the plant is an excellent honey plant.